Summary
Makes companies that create operating systems check a user's age and get a parent's permission if the user is under 18.
What problem does this solve?
Children can access any content on digital devices without their parents' knowledge or control. This bill requires age checks on all operating systems, giving parents the ability to manage what their children under 18 can see and do on their devices.
Who does this affect?
- Operating system providers (e.g., Apple, Google, Microsoft)
- Parents and children
- App developers
What does this bill do?
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 2(a)(1)
Header:
Required age verification for users of operating systems
Mandates age verification for all users
Requires providers of operating systems, like those on phones and computers, to ask for a user's date of birth before they can set up an account or use the device.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 2(a)(2)
Header:
Required age verification for users of operating systems
Requires parental consent for minors
Demands that if a user is under 18 years old, their parent or legal guardian must confirm the user's date of birth.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 2(a)(3)
Header:
Required age verification for users of operating systems
Shares age data with app developers
Directs operating system providers to create a system that allows app developers to access the age information to verify a user's age for their own apps.
Assigns enforcement to the FTC
Gives the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the power to enforce these rules. Breaking the rules will be treated as an unfair or deceptive business practice.
Establishes new data protection rules
Tasks the FTC with creating regulations on how companies must securely collect and store dates of birth to protect user privacy and prevent data theft.
Provides legal protection for compliant companies
States that an operating system provider cannot be held responsible for breaking the law if it follows the required rules and procedures.
What is the real world impact?
•
Creates new data privacy concerns
Requires the collection of a date of birth for every single user of a computer or mobile device. This creates a massive new database of personal information that could be a target for hackers or be misused.
•
Places a burden on tech companies
Forces operating system providers like Apple, Google, and Microsoft to build and manage a complex and secure age-verification system. This could be expensive and difficult to implement, potentially slowing down innovation.
When does this start?
The main rules of this bill would start one year after it becomes law, with several deadlines for government agencies before that date.
FTC rule creation
The Federal Trade Commission must create the specific rules to carry out this law within 180 days of it being passed.
FTC report to Congress
The Federal Trade Commission must give a report to Congress on how the law is working within 18 months of it being passed.
Effective date for companies
The requirements for operating system providers will take effect one year after the date the bill is signed into law.